MANCHESTER UNITED have been linked with a move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, according to reports.
Liverpool and Tottenham are other Premier League clubs in the race for the South Korean centre-back.
Meanwhile, a former United coach has claimed that Red Devils’ star Marcus Rashford wanted to play in a completely different position during his pervious confidence crisis.
And we’ve got the very latest on United’s takeover talks.
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Piers blasts Ten Hag after Ron’s latest masterclass
Cristiano Ronaldo’s deadly double shows Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag made one of football’s worst blunders EVER, Piers Morgan claims.
And as fans hailed Ronaldo’s display in Al-Nassr’s 5-0 rout of Al Adfalah, one reckoned his second goal proved he has the “the greatest weak foot in the history of this beautiful game”.
United ousted the Portugal legend, 38, in November following his searing verdict in a TalkTV interview with Sun Columnist Morgan over how the club and Ten Hag had treated him.
But now, after a mediocre World Cup and slow start to his career in Saudi Arabia, Ron’s in scorching form again.
He bagged Al-Nassr’s penalty opener and a stunning third goal on Tuesday
Picking up a pass from two-goal strike-partner Talisca, he accelerated into the box and lashed a left-footer inside the far corner.
One enthusiast tweeted: “The greatest weak foot in the history of this beautiful game. 156th weak foot goal for the Greatest of all time.”
And Morgan posted: “Two more goals for @Cristiano so far tonight, including this superb one which once again suggests Ten Hag’s decision to dump him for Wout Weghorst was one of the worst in football history.”
Old Trafford chief Ten Hag has stuck with Weghorst in attack despite the loanee’s lack of goals.
‘Rashford wanted change’
A former Manchester United coach has claimed that Marcus Rashford wanted to place as a holding midfielder after suffering a crisis in confidence.
Neil Ryan, who worked with the youth team at United, revealed that Rashford, 25, wanted to play in the deeper role as he could not “burn past” players.
However, the now England under 18s manager, 48, insisted that Rashford would always be a forward and that his pace would come once he grew more.
He told FourFourTwo: “In the Under 12s and Under 13s he was fantastic and often up against older boys.
“You didn’t feel that it was effortless like it was with Ravel Morrison.
“Marcus’ attitude and talent always stood out, but aged 14 he had a confidence crisis and wanted to be a holding midfielder.
“I recall talking to his mother and brothers.
“He spoke about wanting to get on the ball more.
“He didn’t have the pace then to burn past others because he was still growing, but we always thought he’d be a forward.”
Red Devils to face Dortmund in Vegas
United will play Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas in July as part of its summer tour of the US, bringing the most famous football club on the planet to the entertainment capital of the world, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
The match at the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday July 30, is the second fixture of the Club’s Tour 23 to be announced, with more fixtures and locations to be revealed in the coming weeks.
United have not met the Bundesliga side since a 2016 tour game in China and the pair have only played six competitive matches in their histories, – making this summer’s encounter a rare opportunity for US fans to see two of Europe’s leading football teams go head-to-head.
Last week, United announced a game against Welsh side Wrexham at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, on 25th July. Tickets for this match have already sold out, with fans eager to see the Red Devils return to the US for the first time in five years.
United Football Director, John Murtough said: “We have worked with the manager and his staff to provide a mix of competitive opponents to play during our tour of the US and we look forward to the match against Borussia Dortmund.
“As well as gaining valuable playing time, the squad will also be participating in training camps within the best sporting facilities available, giving our players the opportunity to build fitness before the start of the new Premier League season.
“The response we have received from fans since announcing we will be returning to the US has been incredible. We already have a full house for the match in San Diego and I am sure it will be the same for this fixture in Vegas.”
Utd ‘in for Kim’
United are reportedly interested in triggering the £43million release clause of Napoli star Kim Min-jae, but will have to fend off a lot of competition.
The Mail Online has reported that the Red Devils are among three Premier League clubs who are keen on a move for the centre-back.
The 26-year-old is rumoured to be interested in a move to the English top flight and will have plenty of options if his clause is triggered.
United are said to be joined in the chase for the South Korea international by Liverpool and Tottenham.
Kim has been a crucial part of Napoli’s impressive campaign this season.
He has featured 36 times for the club already as they sit 16 points clear at the top of Serie A with a Champions League quarter-final tie with AC Milan to come.
The former Fenerbahce defender joined the Italians in the summer for a modest £16million, but is understood to be valued significantly higher now.
The release clause in his contract – thought to be be 50million euros – would see him leave for below his market value after only one season at the club.
Napoli could try to remove the clause by offering Kim a fresh set of terms despite his recent arrival.
Prem clubs on Hugo alert
PSG are tipped to offload Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike after ONE season.
The French striker, 20, has previously been linked with Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
PSG landed the Under-20 international on loan from Reims last summer.
But although that deal means the Ligue 1 leaders have to buy him at the end of the season, Le Parisien sayhe will then be transfer-listed.
Ekitike has, unsurprisingly, struggled to displace Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar up front.
And to many pundits his form has been a disappointment.
Nev stirs up Spurs row
United legend sparked a furious Twitter row with Jermaine Jenas and Jamie O’Hara with his cutting comments about former Tottenham players.
The Sky Sports pundit, 48, took a swipe at his fellow footballers-turned-pundits criticising the club after they blew a lead to draw 1-1 at lowly ten-man Everton on Monday.
Spurs still rose to fourth on goal difference but some ex-Spurs players hit out, especially when caretaker boss Cristian Stellini claimed his team “played a good game”.
Jenas tweeted: “I can’t watch this team anymore ffs.”
And O’Hara raged on talkSPORT before storming out of the studio: “I’m done. Someone save me. I’m done, I am done. Who is this imposter? Has Antonio Conte come back?”
Neville tweeted: “Interesting seeing ex-Spurs players that never got near to Champions League places for years when they played for the club saying they can’t watch this current team now.
“Spurs are in fourth place currently ahead of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. Perspective!”
O’Hara said: “Massive fan of Gary Neville so won’t get into a slanging match. I did play for Spurs, grew up at Spurs and a huge fan who cares about the club and seeing the awful football week in week out is hard to watch.
“Everyone is entitled to an opinion and we may be fourth but it’s diabolical.”
Jenas shared a photo of himself playing for Tottenham in the Champions League and captioned it: “… maybe he wasn’t taking about me. Apologies if so @GNev2.”
Victor fancies becoming a Red Devil
Napoli star Victor Osimhen is interested in a move to Manchester United.
According to TeamTalk, the Osimhen is ‘eyeing up’ a move to United in the summer.
This season the striker has excelled in Serie A and has provided plenty of goals in the club’s title charge.
The Nigeria international has registered a staggering total of 25 goals and five assists in 29 appearances.
Red Devils and Barca ‘keen on Roque’
United and Barcelona are regarded as two of the massive European clubs interested in 18-year-old Brazil striker Vitor Roque.
The Athletico Paranaense starlet has notched 10 goals and three assists in 40 games for the Brazilian top-flight club.
It’s claimed he’d prefer a move to Barca.
And that would hardly be a surprise, given that fellow countrymen Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho have also swapped Brazil for the Nou Camp.
Villa ‘in for Henderson’
Aston Villa are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a move to sign Man United’s Dean Henderson.
The goalkeeper is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, who will be in the hint for his signature should they beat the drop.
But according to Football Insider, the Villans are also interested in signing the internationally capped stopper.
Mitrovic 8-game ban for Utd bust-up
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been banned for EIGHT matches for his Old Trafford meltdown.
The Fulham striker shoved and reacted angrily to referee Chris Kavanagh when he awarded a penalty and sent off team-mate Willian.
Kavanagh showed the red card, meaning an automatic three-game ban.
Now the FA have slapped him with an extra five matches and a £75,000 fine.
Manager Marco Silva, also red carded in the flashpoint, got a two-game touchline ban and £40,000 fine for his behaviour and comments.
Mitrovic served the first of those eight in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth.
He will now miss Fulham’s next seven matches before returning for May’s trip to Southampton.
The Serb is also available for the London derby at home to Crystal Palace and the away day back to the scene of the crime, Old Trafford, for the final game of the season.
Red Devils to face Dortmund in Vegas
United will play Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas in July as part of its summer tour of the US, bringing the most famous football club on the planet to the entertainment capital of the world, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
The match at the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday July 30, is the second fixture of the Club’s Tour 23 to be announced, with more fixtures and locations to be revealed in the coming weeks.
United have not met the Bundesliga side since a 2016 tour game in China and the pair have only played six competitive matches in their histories, – making this summer’s encounter a rare opportunity for US fans to see two of Europe’s leading football teams go head-to-head.
Last week, United announced a game against Welsh side Wrexham at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, on 25th July. Tickets for this match have already sold out, with fans eager to see the Red Devils return to the US for the first time in five years.
United Football Director, John Murtough said: “We have worked with the manager and his staff to provide a mix of competitive opponents to play during our tour of the US and we look forward to the match against Borussia Dortmund.
“As well as gaining valuable playing time, the squad will also be participating in training camps within the best sporting facilities available, giving our players the opportunity to build fitness before the start of the new Premier League season.
“The response we have received from fans since announcing we will be returning to the US has been incredible. We already have a full house for the match in San Diego and I am sure it will be the same for this fixture in Vegas.”
Luke staying 4 more years
Manchester United ace Luke Shaw has signed a new deal with the club.
Shaw put pen to paper on a four-year extension with United after some impressive performances under manager Erik ten Hag.
The left-back had a contract with the Red Devils until 2024, which has now been extended until 2028.
United are hoping to tie some more superstars to a new contract by June
Sancho future unclear
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is growing increasingly impatient with Jadon Sancho.
According to Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag is losing patience with Sancho.
So much so that the Dutch tactician could decide to let the winger leave at the end of the season.
The England international, who has made just five appearances in the last five months, could be sold as part of Ten Hag’s proposed clearout and rebuild.
Ten Hag’s five guys
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ready to put five players on the chopping block this summer – including a favourite of co-owner Joel Glazer.
According to Manchester Evening News, Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly will all be up for sale this summer.
Martial is believed to be Glazer’s favourite and he has intervened to stop the forward being sold previously.
But the 27-year-old, who was signed with high expectations in 2015, has failed to convince over a sustained period and has been increasingly hampered by injury problems.
Osimhen keen on United
Napoli star Victor Osimhen is interested in a move to Manchester United.
According to TeamTalk, the Osimhen is ‘eyeing up’ a move to United in the summer.
This season the striker has excelled in Serie A and has provided plenty of goals in the club’s title charge.
The Nigeria international has registered a staggering total of 25 goals and five assists in 29 appearances.
Credit: Rex
Ten Hag on Shaw
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag described Luke Shaw’s new contract as a “good message”.
Shaw has been essential for United this season as he has stood out at left-back and also successfully filled in at centre-back.
Ten hag said: “I think it’s a good message, any international is doing really well this season, really happy with them.
“He’s a modern left back but can also play centre-back, he matches the standards we want to have, it sends a very good message.”
Eriksen injury boost
Manchester United have received a major injury boost regarding Christian Eriksen.
United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed Eriksen has returned to full training.
Ten Hag said: “Not for tomorrow [vs Brentford] but he’s returning on the pitch.
“He’s returning into team training today, so we have to see now how quickly he can make the progress.”
Sheikh Jassim snag
The Manchester United ownership saga took a huge twist as it emerged there is serious Government concern about Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, writes Sun Sport’s Martin Lipton.
Nearly five months after United was put on the market, bidders remain in the dark over whether the Glazers really want to sell the club.
But the news that the Bank of England has flagged up previous regulatory failings at the UK branch of the Qatari Investment Bank headed up by Sheikh Jassim could prove a major turning point.
Sheikh Jassim is the most likely to meet the Glazer family’s £6bn valuation but that could all be changed by the revelation of the issues being raised by senior Government officials.
Those reservations are understood to relate to a £1.4m fine handed out to QIB’s UK unit by the Bank of England in 2016 for violating capital financial rules that left the bank exposed to high levels of risk.
Regulators said QIB had “failed to meet some of the most basic regulatory standards”.
More on Shaw
Manchester United’s Football Director John Murtough described Luke Shaw as “one of the best defenders in the world” after he signed his contract extension.
Murtough said: “Luke is a massively important player to the squad and has grown into one of the best defenders in the world.
“He has been at the club for nearly a decade and understands the expectations for success, and the hard work, commitment and high standards required to achieve it.
“He has added leadership to his other outstanding abilities, and we all look forward to seeing him in a Manchester United shirt for years to come.”
Credit: Getty Shaw speaks out
Manchester United ace Luke Shaw revealed he signed a new contract because he believes in the “journey” manager Erik ten Hag has taken the club.
Shaw said: “Nine years ago, I signed for this amazing club, and I’m thrilled to be extending my stay.
“I’ve grown immensely since coming to Manchester all those years ago, both as a person and as a player; I know what is needed to succeed at a club like this.
“We’re at the beginning of our journey under the manager and his coaching staff.
“We’ve been successful already this season, but we want much more. There’s a great opportunity to create something special here, and I’m going to give everything to be part of that.”
Shaw signs new deal
Manchester United ace Luke Shaw has signed a new deal with the club.
Shaw put pen to paper on a four-year extension with United after some impressive performances under manager Erik ten Hag.
The left-back had a contract with the Red Devils until 2024, which has now been extended until 2028.
United are hoping to tie some more superstars to a new contract by June
Harry Kane price
Manchester United may have to splash the cash to sign long-term target and Tottenham superstar Harry Kane.
And reports suggest Kane will cost a whopping £90million to price away from Spurs.
The striker’s future in North London appears uncertain after Antonio Conte’s dismissal from the dugout.
The England captain’s contract runs out next year, which means Tottenham run the risk of losing him for free if he doesn’t leave this summer
Harry Kane bid
Manchester United are ready to go after Tottenham superstar Harry Kane in the summer.
United do not want to involve themselves in a saga like with Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong last summer.
Therefore, the Red Devils are keen to find out whether the transfer is feasible from the player and Spurs’ perspective.
The star striker is manager Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice to spearhead his frontline.
Credit: Rex Declan Rice bidding war
Arsenal will battle Manchester United for West Ham star Declan Rice.
Rice is targeted by United with Scott McTominay heading for the exit door at Old Trafford.
The Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his midfield and the England international is high on the North Londoners’ summer wishlist.
The Hammers may demand £100million, but the price is set to be affected if they get relegated to the Championship.
Osimhen ‘eyes’ United
Man United transfer target Victor Osimhen is reportedly interested in a move to the club.
According to TeamTalk, the Napoli star is ‘eyeing up’ a move to the Red Devils.
This season the Nigerian striker he excelled in Serie A and has provided plenty of goals in the club’s title charge.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
